Gatka, the traditional fighting technique and martial art using wooden sticks is an integral part of Sikh culture. In a bid to revive the sport, Punjabi University in Patiala is offering a one-year diploma course to teach 25 willing learners. The sport may also get a modern avatar. Synthetic Gatka grounds with pre-demarcation of playing area and logos may replace the traditional rustic mud surface.
Gatka would be the first sport in the country to be offered in one year diploma course. The traditional martial art is making inroads into other institutions. While in Punjabi University, Patiala, 25 seats have been reserved for the course, another avenue for learning the sport is Guru Hargobind Advanced Gatka Training Institute, established recently, at Lopon village in Moga. The course at this institute will commence December onwards. Gatka associations have been formed in 32 countries. Gatka, an ancient fighting technique and art associated with the Sikh history is an integral part of the Sikh Shastar Vidiya comprising practise and usage of various weapons and physical exercises by the Sikh fighters, also called Nihangs. The Nihangs have passed down the flamboyant techniques for generations, since the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind. The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh was known as the greatest master of weaponry of his time. The Sikhs successfully used weaponry techniques and Gatka art throughout the 16th and 17th centuries for their protection against aggressions. Dr Jaspal Singh Vice Chancellor of Punjabi University said, “It’s the first of its kind, a unique academic and sports cooperation that includes two academic courses —Diploma and Certificate courses in Gatka coaching with a one year and six months duration. There will be collaborative research projects, training workshops, modules, conferences, and seminars.” He added that the 2nd All India Inter-Varsity Gatka Championship would be hosted in December.
Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, MP and President of World Gatka Federation (WGF)said, “Traditionally, Gatka was for public display during religious processions. We are promoting and reviving it as a sport at the national and international level. Earlier, only boys could be seen performing this art. Now girls have adopted it and are performing well.’’ Panjab University, Chandigarh (earlier Lahore), is the pioneer in Gatka sport. It had organised inter-college and inter-varsity tournaments regularly before the Partition and drafted rules for Gatka sport in 1936.